A puff back loss occurs when an oil burner backfires sending soot throughout one’s home.

It can happen all at once or gradually, slowly seeping out.

The best way to prevent a puff back?

Have your oil burner inspected annually and kept in good shape.

This is no guarantee that you won’t still have a puff back loss, but it does greatly reduce your risk.

Keep debris or anything else that could interfere with proper functioning away from your oil burner.

Fire Do’s & Don’ts — for Safety’s Sake:

Do’s:
Make sure that everyone knows two ways out of every room. Teach children to crawl on their hands and knees in an effort to stay low under smoke. Close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke. Plan a meeting spot outside the house, at a neighbor’s or in a special place in the yard a good distance from the house. Teach kids that once they get outside, they should stay outside. Hold frequent fire drills, including some at night and make sure everyone is following the plan perfectly. Assign someone to call 911. Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home. Replace the batteries every six months.

Don’ts:Do not rely on one way to escape from your home. Do not forget about the levels of your home. Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floor. Do not assume everyone will remember how to exit your home during a fire. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. Do not reenter a burning building. Nothing is as valuable as your life. Do not open a door without feeling it first. If it is warm, the fire is nearby and you could cause the greater risk of spreading the fire and injuring yourself.

Does your homeowner policy have the Personal Property Replacement Cost Endorsement? Claims can be settled two different ways: Actual Cash Value basis (ACV) or Replacement Cost basis. ACV is based on the replacement cost of the property, minus a deduction for physical depreciation and obsolescence. Your 10 year old recliner might not be worth much when figured this way and the payment from the insurance company might not be enough to buy a new one. However, if you have the Replacement Cost Endorsement (cost is about 10% of the policy’s premium), the company will pay the cost to replace the property with a similar type and quality of property without a deduction for depreciation. Having this replacement cost endorsement can be very valuable. However, even policies with Replacement Cost have limits for “special items” such as jewelry, antiques, collectibles, fine arts, and silverware. These items should be “scheduled” on your policy separately.

An up-to-date inventory of your possessions can be crucial to efficient settlement at homeowner insurance claim time. After a fire or other disasteris often the wrong time to try to remember what your home or business contained!

Here are some step-by-step instructions to help you make a proper inventory of your possessions.

1. Make a detailed list of all major items. Included the date purchased, serial numbers, quantity and purchase price. Attach any original receipts.

2. Videotape or photograph both the interior and exterior of your home. Photograph each room from several angles. Include your closets, attic, garage, basement and patio.

3. Photograph items such as jewelry, silver, or furs. Place a ruler next to small items to illustrate the size. Attach copies of appraisal forms to inventory.

4. Update photos after home improvements or major purchases.

5. Include the video recorder or camera on your list.

6. Store the inventory list, attached documents and photos or videotape in a safe-deposit box.

MA Home Insurance 101 – “The Basics…”

Homeowner Insurance is asset protection designed to bring your home and possessions back to the same condition prior to loss. Lenders require proof of home insurance, also known as Hazard Insurance of Fire Insurance, in the form of an insurance binder. Often they require a “paid in full” receipt and that the home is insured for 100% of estimated Replacement Cost.

Your Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent will help determine the Replacement Cost of your home. Replacement Cost represents the amount it would cost to rebuild your home if you were to suffer a total loss. Not to be confused with market value, Replacement Cost is pure construction cost. Replacement Cost is determined by such things as: age, condition, square footage, updates, building quality and town multipliers.

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As a Massachusetts homeowner, you should shop your annual home insurance.

The biggest reason is because, as a homeowner, you are Massachusetts insurance companies “target marget.”

As a homeowner you are responsible, financially secure, and probably also insure two automobiles, a recreational vehicle, and have life insurance.

The very best way to save money on home insurance in Massachusetts is to package with your auto insurance.

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Call or click us to get your free, no obligation Massachusetts homeowner insurance quote.